Supply cable to property, installation depth

[Midwest]

Been doing some work at a domestic property, that's had some building renovations done. Whilst the small frontage to the property was resurfaced, the electricity service cable was uncovered. It runs for approximately 2 metres from the road, at about 75mm below the surface, then into the brickwork of the property, & then into the meter cabinet.

No tape or cable tiles. I contacted the DNO (SSE), who said there's no set depth for such situations, if the customer wanted it installed at a greater depth, there would be a charge. They would not send out an engineer to inspect, unless the cable has been damaged.

Haven't a pic to show, but doesn't seem right to me. Eventually, the frontage will be dressed with a lose surface, such as gravel.

I've seen some suggested trench depths of 450-530mm, but nothing where the cable approaches a property, and HSE guidance suggests there's no set depth. Cable is a pvc concentric type. I was a bit concerned, if someone at a later date, did some digging without knowing its there.

Thoughts? As the DNO aren't going to do anything, I was going to relay cable in soft sand & cover with some marked plastic cable tiles or something.

 

[westward10]

Is this out of curiosity because it is outside the scope of your works and hence not your problem.

 

[Midwest]

Is this out of curiosity because it is outside the scope of your works and hence not your problem.

Personal interest, its my sons house.

 

[westward10]

Personal interest, its my sons house.

See Part IV, Section 14 of ESQCR 2002.

 

[Pete999]

Is this out of curiosity because it is outside the scope of your works and hence not your problem.

I agree Westy, but with the provso that Midwest was/is only expressing his concerns, I believe that he was quite right in bringing this to the attention of the DNO and importantly the homeowner, I would do the same, afterallif you see something that, to your professional experience doesn't look right, we have a duty of care to voice our opinions, however right or wrong these thoughts may be, I would be happy to make myself look a clown, if I thought something was wrong, and later proved to be incorrect.

 

[Midwest]

Thanks for that westward. I also have SSE's pdf on the subject, which suggests a min depth of 450mm, which was why I was a bit surprised by the telephone response by SSE. Perhaps I should email them, to get a more detailed response.

 

[Pete999]

Thanks for that westward. I also have SSE's pdf on the subject, which suggests a min depth of 450mm, which was why I was a bit surprised by the telephone response by SSE. Perhaps I should email them, to get a more detailed response.

Agree Midwest, far to many of these faceless conglomerates find it difficult / hard to respond to a legitimate question, send an email and let the Forum know the outcome, more people should question big business, it's our right and duty to do so, bring on the revolution.

 

[westward10]

I would do quoting the relevant regulations. Has your son lived there long because it is possible the cable was deeper but other groundworks have bought it closer to the surface.

 

[Midwest]

I would do quoting the relevant regulations. Has your son lived there long because it is possible the cable was deeper but other groundworks have bought it closer to the surface.

Funnily enough that's what SSE said! The properties on this estate, are about 30 years old, and not the best examples of modern construction. Don't think the cable has been subject to movement, although he's had new surface water draining installed. But that was just placed under this cable, as it emerged from the highway into his property.

Edit, the BT cable runs a similar route.

Think I'll send an email, always gets a more detailed reply. Can't see its the customers cost, as it's been that way since its conception.

 

[Wilko]

Blimey - 75mm (3 inches) - that can't be right can it? Around here, Wifey would be welding with the garden fork in Spring ...